⭐ Start Here — Kelly's Priority Watches
Hey Kelly 💜
These videos are hand-picked for where you are right now — Day 20, working with inverted nipples and nipple shields, building your supply. Watch these first, then explore the full modules at your own pace.
- Positioning & latch — the foundation for everything
- Fine tuning — relieving nipple pain, getting a better latch
- Nipple shields — using them well, and weaning off them
- Expressing — building and maintaining supply
🍼 Positioning & Latch — from Module 4
Kelly: With inverted nipples, positioning is everything. The cross-cradle hold can make things harder — these videos show gentler alternatives that work better for your anatomy.
Why You Should Avoid The Cross-Cradle Technique
Why the commonly-taught cross-cradle hold can cause problems and contribute to nipple pain.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
A Preferable Way to Gently Cradle your Baby
The Thompson Method's gentle alternative hold — better for baby's natural reflexes.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
Tips on Baby Opening Mouth Wider
Practical tips for encouraging a wider gape — especially helpful when working with flat/inverted nipples.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
Inverted & Flat Nipples
Specific guidance for breastfeeding with inverted and flat nipples — your exact situation.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
Understanding Your Baby's Intra-Oral Cavity
How baby's mouth anatomy affects latch — understanding this helps troubleshoot issues.
👁 Watch
🎯 Fine Tuning for Nipple Pain — from Module 6
Kelly: These are key for reducing nipple pain while transitioning off shields. Face-to-breast symmetry and fine tuning are Robyn's core techniques.
Why is Face to Breast Symmetry so Important?
The foundational concept — aligning baby's face symmetrically to your breast prevents pain and improves latch.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
Relieving Pain with Face to Breast Symmetry
Practical application of symmetry to actively relieve nipple pain during a feed.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
How to Fine Tune Your Baby at your Breast
Micro-adjustments while feeding to optimize latch without detaching baby.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
How to Gently Adjust Your Nipple Direction
Adjusting nipple direction for a more comfortable and effective latch — very relevant for inverted nipples.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
Zoom Call: LIVE Fine Tuning Session
Real-time fine tuning with a mum — see the technique applied live with Robyn's coaching.
● Live▶ Demo👁 Watch
🛡️ Nipple Shields & Transitioning — from Module 10
Kelly: These are your most important videos right now. The "Transitioning from Nipple Shields" video + the live Zoom session show exactly how to wean off shields at your own pace. No rush — the process is gradual.
Unpacking Nipple Shields, Dummies (Pacifiers) and Teats
Understanding when shields help vs. hinder, and how they affect breastfeeding long-term.
👁 Watch
Transitioning from Nipple Shields
Step-by-step guide to gradually weaning off nipple shields — the key video for your journey.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
Zoom Call: Live Transitioning from Nipple Shields Session
Watch Robyn coach a mum through the shield transition process in real-time.
● Live▶ Demo👁 Watch
Combining Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
How to introduce bottles without undermining breastfeeding — useful for supplementing while building supply.
👁 Watch
💧 Expressing & Building Supply — from Module 9
Kelly: Expressing helps stimulate and maintain supply, especially while using shields (which can sometimes reduce stimulation). These videos cover both hand expression and pump technique.
How to Gently Express Your Breasts
Gentle hand expression technique — a key skill for managing supply and comfort.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
The Principles of Increasing Low Milk Volume
Core principles for building supply — important while establishing breastfeeding with shields.
👁 Watch
(Live Video) Expressing using a breast pump
Live demonstration of effective pump technique.
● Live▶ Demo👁 Watch
Simulation and Expressing your Breasts
How breast stimulation and expressing work together to support milk production.
👁 Watch
📌 Also Helpful Right Now
Maintaining Milk Volume
Module 5
Key strategies for keeping your supply stable — important foundations as you transition off shields.
👁 Watch
The Importance of Feeding from Both Breasts Each Feed
Module 5
Why alternating breasts matters for supply and comfort.
👁 Watch
Observing Your Baby's Stimulating and Swallow Reflex
Module 5
Learn to read whether baby is actively swallowing — helps confirm effective feeding with or without shields.
▶ Demo👁 Watch
The Lipstick Shaped Nipple
Module 6
What a lipstick-shaped nipple after feeding means and how to fix it — a sign of asymmetric latch.
👁 Watch
Getting Started
Please watch this first — Content Roadmap
Overview of the course structure and how to navigate the modules for your situation.
What Inspired The Thompson Method?
2m 20s
Robyn Thompson's story and what led her to develop this approach to breastfeeding support.
Module 1: Prenatal Sessions with Dr Robyn
Kelly: This module is mostly prenatal prep. Session 08 (Fear of Newborn Weight Loss) and Session 09 (Immediately After Birth) may still be useful references, but the other sessions are less relevant at Day 20.
Session 00. Introduction & Downloads
57s
Welcome and downloadable resources for the prenatal module.
Session 01. The Law of Consent
5m 10s
Understanding informed consent in maternity care — your rights during pregnancy and birth.
Session 02. Your Pregnancy
12m 29s
Physical and emotional changes during pregnancy that relate to breastfeeding preparation.
Session 03. Stages of Labour
17m 57s
Understanding the stages of labour and how they connect to early breastfeeding.
Session 04. Palpating Your Baby
13m 23s
Feeling baby's position during pregnancy and what it means for birth planning.
Session 05. Pain Relief Options
12m 40s
Overview of pain relief choices during labour and their potential effects on early breastfeeding.
Session 06. Common Interventions During Labour
13m 48s
Medical interventions you may encounter during labour and their implications.
Session 07. The Birth of Your Baby
11m 45s
What to expect during birth and immediate skin-to-skin contact for breastfeeding.
Session 08. Fear of Newborn Weight Loss
10m 07s
Normal newborn weight loss patterns — what's expected vs. when to be concerned.
Session 09. Immediately Following the Birth of Your Baby
8m 11s
The golden hour after birth — first feeds and establishing early breastfeeding.
Module 2: Preparing for Breastfeeding
Kelly: This is mostly birth preparation content. "Asking for Help" is a lovely short video worth watching at any stage. The rest is less relevant at Day 20.
Download your Birth Plan Template
12m 28s
Birth plan template and guidance on creating your breastfeeding-friendly birth plan.
What is the APGAR Score? (+ PDF Download)
11m 39s
Understanding your baby's APGAR assessment at birth and what the scores mean.
Induction of Labour
6m 38s
What induction involves and how it may affect early breastfeeding.
Induction of Labour (Women aged 35+)
6m 30s
Specific considerations for induction in women over 35.
Induction: What is 'Sweeping the Membranes'?
8m 33s
Explaining the membrane sweep procedure and what to expect.
The Cascade of Intervention
12m 24s
How one medical intervention can lead to others — important for understanding your birth experience.
Birthing the Placenta
6m 52s
The third stage of labour and its connection to early breastfeeding hormones.
Routine Vaginal Examinations
5m 35s
Understanding routine examinations and your right to informed consent.
Asking for Help
3m 18s
A gentle reminder that asking for help is a strength — relevant at every stage of the journey.
Can I breastfeed while pregnant?
4m 56s
Guidance on continuing breastfeeding during a subsequent pregnancy.
Module 3: The First 72-96 Hours
Kelly: You're past these early days, but "Common Contributors to Nipple Trauma" and "At Home with Your Newborn Baby" are still valuable references for understanding what's happening with your nipples now.
What if I don't get the 3 Golden Hours?
2m 13s
Reassurance and next steps if early skin-to-skin wasn't possible after birth.
How Your Breastmilk is Established — An Overview
9m 30s
The biology of milk establishment — colostrum to transitional to mature milk.
Common Contributors to Nipple Trauma
15m 13s
What causes nipple damage — understanding this helps prevent ongoing trauma.
Preventing Nipple Pain in the first 72 hours
11m 31s
Early prevention strategies — principles still apply to ongoing nipple care.
Your baby's first breastfeed (The 3 Golden Hours)
12m 19s
The importance of the first feed and golden hour skin-to-skin contact.
The First 72 - 96 Hours
11m 48s
What to expect in the critical first days — feeding patterns, milk coming in, baby behaviour.
The First 72 - 96 Hours — Clarification
6m 06s
Additional clarity on common questions about the first days.
The first 72 hours in review
7m 30s
Summary review of the first days — helpful to revisit when troubleshooting current issues.
At Home with Your Newborn Baby
12m 02s
Navigating breastfeeding at home — practical guidance for the early weeks.
Dealing with Mother Baby Separation
12m 10s
Maintaining breastfeeding when separated from your baby (NICU, medical procedures, etc.).
Module 4: General Breastfeeding
Kelly: This module is gold for you. The positioning videos, "Inverted & Flat Nipples," and "Tips on Baby Opening Mouth Wider" are all directly relevant. Watch these before the fine tuning module.
Do you have a newborn?
Orientation for new parents — how to approach this module based on your baby's age.
Why You Should Avoid The Cross-Cradle Technique
Why the commonly-taught cross-cradle hold can cause problems — an important reframe for many mums.
▶ Demo
A Preferable Way to Gently Cradle your Baby
The Thompson Method alternative to cross-cradle — gentler on both mum and baby.
▶ Demo
Understanding Your Baby's Intra-Oral Cavity
How baby's mouth anatomy (palate, tongue, jaw) affects latch and feeding efficiency.
Breastfeeding Twins
Specific guidance for tandem feeding and managing breastfeeding with twins.
Tips on Baby Opening Mouth Wider
Practical techniques to encourage a wider gape for a deeper, more comfortable latch.
▶ Demo
Breastfeeding with Large Breasts
Positioning and technique adaptations for larger breasts.
Large Breasts / Small Nipples
Specific guidance for the combination of large breasts and small nipples.
Inverted & Flat Nipples
Techniques and guidance specifically for breastfeeding with inverted or flat nipples — watch this one carefully.
▶ Demo
The Sleepy Baby
How to gently wake and keep a sleepy baby feeding effectively.
Breast Pain During the Let-Down
Understanding let-down pain — what's normal vs. what might need attention.
Module 5: How to Sustain Breastfeeding and Trust Your Instincts
Kelly: "Maintaining Milk Volume" and "Feeding from Both Breasts" are especially relevant for your supply-building goals. "Observing Your Baby's Swallow Reflex" helps confirm baby is getting milk effectively through the shield.
Do you have a newborn?
Module orientation based on your baby's age.
The Importance of Feeding from Both Breasts Each Feed
Why alternating breasts during each feed matters for balanced supply and thorough drainage.
How to Space Out Feeds
Moving toward a sustainable feeding rhythm without clock-watching.
Maintaining Milk Volume
Core strategies for keeping your milk supply stable — key principles for your current stage.
Reading Your Baby's Cues
Recognising hunger, fullness, and other feeding cues from your baby.
Why the Rest & Digest Period is so Important
Understanding why rest periods between feeds matter for both baby and milk production.
How Long is the Rest & Digest Period?
Practical guidance on timing rest periods between feeds.
Observing Your Baby's Stimulating and Swallow Reflex
How to see and hear effective swallowing — confirms baby is getting milk (especially helpful when using shields).
▶ Demo
When's the Best Time for a Nappy (Diaper) Change?
Timing diaper changes around feeds for maximum comfort and minimal disruption.
How to Recognise Emotional Satisfaction
Signs that your baby is emotionally satisfied after a feed — beyond just nutritional fullness.
The Peaceful Transition to Sleep
Helping baby transition from feeding to sleep without creating feed-to-sleep dependency.
Swaddling Your Baby
Safe swaddling techniques and when to swaddle vs. leave baby's hands free.
Is My Baby Swallowing or Sucking Air?
How to tell the difference between nutritive swallowing and air-sucking — important for assessing feed quality.
▶ Demo
Module 6: Fine Tuning to Relieve Painful Nipples
Kelly: This is one of your most important modules. Face-to-breast symmetry and fine tuning are core Thompson Method techniques. Watch all the demos here — they'll help both with current shield use and with direct latching as you transition.
Why is Face to Breast Symmetry so Important?
The foundational concept — proper alignment between baby's face and breast prevents pain and improves latch depth.
▶ Demo
Relieving Pain with Face to Breast Symmetry
How to use symmetry during a feed to actively reduce nipple pain without breaking the latch.
▶ Demo
How to Fine Tune Your Baby at your Breast
Small, precise adjustments during feeding to optimize comfort — the signature Thompson Method technique.
▶ Demo
The Lipstick Shaped Nipple
What it means if your nipple comes out lipstick-shaped after a feed — a sign of asymmetric compression.
Nipple Pain and Tongue Ties
How tongue ties can contribute to nipple pain and what to look for.
How to Gently Adjust Your Nipple Direction
Guiding nipple direction for a better latch angle — particularly helpful for inverted nipples.
▶ Demo
Zoom Call: LIVE Fine Tuning Session
Watch Robyn coach a real mum through fine tuning in real-time — incredibly helpful to see the technique in practice.
● Live▶ Demo
The Thompson Method Overview
A summary of the Thompson Method philosophy and core techniques.
Module 7: Breast Engorgement and Mastitis
Kelly: Good to know for prevention. Engorgement and mastitis are risks in the early weeks, especially if feeds are inconsistent. The compression techniques video is worth bookmarking.
What Causes Breast Engorgement?
Understanding why engorgement happens and the biological process behind it.
How to Relieve Breast Engorgement
Practical techniques for relieving engorgement safely and effectively.
▶ Demo
Preventing and/or Dealing With Mastitis
Warning signs, prevention strategies, and what to do if mastitis develops.
Gentle Compression Techniques for Engorgement and/or Mastitis
Hands-on techniques for gentle compression to relieve blocked ducts and engorgement.
▶ Demo
Module 8: The Crying, Unsettled Baby
Kelly: Bookmark this module for the coming weeks. Reflux, colic, and unsettled periods often peak around weeks 3-6. "Implications of Frequent Feeding" is relevant now if Noel is cluster-feeding.
The Crying Unsettled Baby
Understanding why babies cry and how to differentiate between needs — hunger, discomfort, overstimulation.
Reflux & Colic
Identifying reflux and colic, and how breastfeeding technique can help manage symptoms.
High Milk Volume
When oversupply causes fast flow and fussy feeding — management strategies.
Implications of Frequent Feeding
Understanding cluster feeding, snack feeding, and when frequent feeds indicate a problem vs. normal behaviour.
Supplements, Ovulation and More
Supplements during breastfeeding, return of ovulation, and other common postpartum questions.
Module 9: Expressing, Pumping and Low Milk Volume
Kelly: This module is critical for building and maintaining your supply while using shields. Expressing between feeds can help boost production. Both hand expression and pump technique are covered here.
How to Gently Express Your Breasts
Hand expression technique — gentle, effective, and always available without equipment.
▶ Demo
How to Gently Express Your Breasts (Storage)
Storing expressed milk safely — temperatures, containers, and how long it keeps.
Low Milk Volume
Understanding true low supply vs. perceived low supply — common causes and assessment.
The Principles of Increasing Low Milk Volume
Evidence-based principles for boosting milk production — demand, drainage, and frequency.
Simulation and Expressing your Breasts
How stimulation and expressing work together to signal your body to produce more milk.
(Live Video) Expressing using a breast pump
Live demonstration of effective breast pump technique and setup.
● Live▶ Demo
Q&A Session — All About Expressing
Common questions about expressing answered — when, how often, how much to expect.
Module 10: Breastfeeding with Bottles, Teats and Nipple Shields
Kelly: This is YOUR module. Watch everything here, especially the "Transitioning from Nipple Shields" video and the live Zoom session. The simulation feeding videos are also important for when you're supplementing with a bottle.
Unpacking Nipple Shields, Dummies (Pacifiers) and Teats
Comprehensive overview of when to use shields and teats, how they affect breastfeeding, and when to wean off them.
Combining Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
How to balance breast and bottle without undermining breastfeeding — practical combination strategies.
Bottles & Teats for the Breastfed Baby
Choosing bottles and teats that support breastfeeding — what to look for and what to avoid.
Simulation Bottle Feeding
Bottle-feeding technique that mimics breastfeeding rhythm — reduces nipple confusion.
▶ Demo
Simulation and Bottle Feeding
More on simulation bottle feeding — pacing the feed to match breastfeeding patterns.
▶ Demo
Transitioning from Nipple Shields
Step-by-step guide to gradually weaning off nipple shields — the process, timing, and what to expect.
▶ Demo
Zoom Call: Live Transitioning from Nipple Shields Session
Real-time coaching session with a mum transitioning off shields — watch Robyn guide the process.
● Live▶ Demo
Module 11: Teething, Weaning and Returning to Work
Kelly: This module is for later down the track — when Noel starts teething, when you're thinking about introducing solids, or when you return to work. No rush on this one.
When Should I Wean My Baby?
Guidance on when and how to begin the weaning process — signs of readiness.
Transitioning to Food
Introducing solid foods while continuing breastfeeding — timing, first foods, and approach.
Common Behavioural Changes
Behavioural shifts to expect as baby grows — feeding strikes, distractibility, and developmental leaps.
Teething and Associated Changes
How teething affects breastfeeding and what to do about biting, fussiness, and refusal.
Growth & Development
How breastfeeding patterns change with baby's growth spurts and developmental milestones.
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work — Part 1
Planning your return to work while continuing breastfeeding — what to prepare.
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work — Part 2
Practical logistics — pumping at work, maintaining supply, and transitioning feeding schedules.
Cup Feeding
An alternative to bottle feeding that can reduce nipple confusion — technique and when to use it.